אָמַן (a.man)
a.man
be faithful
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 96 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a.man centers on the idea of firmness, whether in physical support or moral reliability. Its core sense is to build up or sustain, which explains its use for those who nurture children. In Esther 2:7, it describes Mordecai acting as a foster father to Esther, while other passages use related nouns for nurses or pillars that hold up structures. This tangible image of holding something steady grounds the word’s deeper spiritual meanings.
From this physical stability, the term expands into trust and belief. When used in the Hiphil stem, it means to stand firm in confidence, as seen when Abraham believed God’s promise in Genesis 15:6. The sources note that this is not merely intellectual assent but a reliance on someone or something unshakeable. Consequently, the adjective form describes God as faithful and trustworthy, providing a secure foundation for those who lean on Him.
Translators often render a.man as "believe" or "faithful," capturing the link between reliability and trust. The word appears frequently in Psalms and Isaiah to describe both God’s steadfast character and the human response of resting in that certainty. This connection shows that biblical faith is rooted in the firmness of the one trusted, rather than in abstract ideas.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word a.man connects physical stability with spiritual trust. It describes someone who stands firm, like a pillar holding up a building or a nurse sustaining a child. This tangible image shows that biblical faith is not just an abstract idea but a reliance on something solid and reliable.
When we read of Abraham believing God in Genesis 15:6, the text highlights his confidence in Yahweh’s promise. This trust was credited as righteousness because it rested on God’s unshakeable character. The word reminds us that our faith is secure not because of our own strength, but because of the One we trust.
In times of uncertainty, this concept offers a deep sense of peace. We are invited to rest in the knowledge that God is faithful, keeping His covenants across generations. This reliability provides a foundation for our lives, allowing us to face challenges with calm assurance rather than fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 96 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- faithful6×
- they believed4×
- let it be established4×
- they will believe3×
- and/ they believed3×
- I believed3×
- you will believe2×
- you trust2×
- you believed2×
- you believe2×
- trust2×
- they trusted2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֶאֱמָ֔ן4×
- יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ4×
- תַּאֲמִ֣ינוּ2×
- נֶאֱמָנָֽה\׃2×
- נֶאֱמָ֣ן2×
- נֶאֱמָ֑ן2×
- יַאֲמִ֣ין2×
- יַאֲמִ֑ין2×
- יֵֽאָמֵן֙2×
- הֶאֱמַ֣נְתִּי2×
- הֶאֱמִ֖ין2×
- הֶ֭אֱמַנְתִּי2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:6
He believed in Yahweh, who credited it to him for righteousness.
This verse establishes the link between trusting God’s promise and being counted as righteous.
-
Exodus 4:31
The people believed, and when they heard that Yahweh had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.
The people’s belief here follows their recognition of God’s visitation, showing faith born from observed care.
-
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that Yahweh your God himself is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness to a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commandments,
This passage defines God Himself as the faithful one who actively keeps His covenant promises.
-
Numbers 12:7
My servant Moses is not so. He is faithful in all my house.
Moses is described as faithful in God’s house, illustrating human reliability that mirrors divine trustworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a.man mean in the Bible?
How is faith different from belief in this context?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (96 verses across 24 books)
Genesis 3 verses
He believed in Yahweh, who credited it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 42:20Bring your youngest brother to me; so will your words be verified, and you won’t die.” They did so.
Genesis 45:26They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he…